Transformable exercise machine for functional exercising

ABSTRACT

The proposed exercise machine is designed for functional exercising a user&#39;s body portions, or groups of muscles. The exercise machine is convenient for developing the user&#39;s strength, endurance, flexibility, dexterity and coordination. The exercise machine includes two support loops with handles, a cord, first and second rolls, two straps, at least two spring hooks, a Tibloc with a spring hook attached thereto, and a spacing bar. Each support loop, on the handle side, is provided with a second load-carrying loop and third limiting loop, while the other end thereof is made as a loop for connection to the spring hook. The Tibloc is arranged on the cord having both looped ends connectable to the spring hook, while the straps are provided with loop-shaped members connectable to the spring hook and with pouches for attaching the spacing bar having a variable length corresponding to the shoulder width of the user exercising.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application of a PCT application PCT/RU2010/000761 filed on 16 Dec. 2010, whose disclosure is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, which PCT application claims priority of a Russian Federation patent application No. RU2009149074 filed on 30 Dec. 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for exercising separate portions of the body or entire groups of muscles simultaneously, and can be used for developing the main motor qualities: strength, endurance, flexibility, dexterity and coordination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The closest in technical substance related art device (herein called ‘prototype’) to the proposed solution is an exercise machine comprising a handle with an attached flexible bar in the form of cord with a holding bight, an idler pulley with a binding collar, and the handle is made in the form of a rubbered loop (see RU 84 722 U1, c1. A63B 23/00, publ. Jul. 20, 2009, report No. 20).

Disadvantages of the prototype are: a low functionality for dynamic exercises, because when a user exercises with the arms positioned at the shoulder length, the cord hooked on the roll rubs the body of the user, hindering the progress of training; a low operating capability related to the necessity of attaching thereof to a special hook only, and impossibility of transformation of the prototype for different training procedures.

Another disadvantage is an inconvenience of using the prototype, conditioned by the fact that, in case of contact of the hand and forearm of the arm grasping the handle with the cord, the latter depresses the wrist and forearm with the bundle being the hardest part of the cord.

Yet, another disadvantage is impossibility of the prototype to fix the foot inside the loop, resulting in that the foot, supported by the loop, may move against the handle, and even drop out from the loop, which leads to a decrease of the training effect and is associated with discomfort in the training process. These inconveniences limit applications of the aforementioned prototype.

In addition, one of disadvantages of the prototype is poor hygiene of using thereof, because the same handle is used for hand grasping as well as for foot securing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to enhance the convenience of use of an exercise machine by means of elimination of rubbing the user's body with the cord during the carrying out of exercises with the user's arms, elimination of a negative impact of the loop with a bundle on the wrist in the training process, increasing the efficiency of using the device for feet training, extension of the application field of the exercise machine by means of making the attachment universal and providing a transformation capacity of the exercise machine, as well as increasing the safety of use of the exercise machine by means of improvement of the hygienic conditions of training.

This object has been achieved by providing a functional training exercise machine comprising: two support loops with handles; a cord; a first roll; a second roll; two straps; at least two spring hooks (also known as ‘snap links’), a Tibloc (device described, e.g. in http://www.alpesport.com/fitxers/pdf1059.pdf), and a spacing bar.

Each aforesaid support loop is made of a band and provided on the handle-side with a second load-carrying loop and a third limiting loop, while the other end of the support loop is made in the form of loop for connection to the spring hook; the Tibloc is attached to a spring hook; the Tiblock is arranged on the cord having both ends in the form of loops for connection to the spring hook, while the straps are also provided with loop-shaped elements for connection to the spring hook and with pouches for attaching the spacing bar having a length corresponding to the shoulder width of the exercising person (user).

In preferred embodiments, the inventive exercise machine is characterized with the following features:

the straps with the rolls, as well as the cord with the support loops are connected to each other by means of the spring hooks;

the straps are made in the form of twin band (i.e. two bands coupled into one band) with cross stitches forming loop-shaped elements (in other words, the stitches divide the strap into a number of loop-shaped elements formed between the two bands) for fastening the spring hook;

the handles are made in the form of cylinders of low-elastic material with a relief coating for comfort grip;

surface of the handles is rubbered (coated with rubber), or is alternatively covered by leather;

the planes of the second load-carrying loop and the third limiting loop are mutually perpendicular to one another;

the spacing bar is collapsible and consists of a set of bushings with cylindrical protrusions wherein each protrusion has a diameter less than a diameter of the respective bushing;

the length of the spacing bar is selected for 10-15 cm wider than the shoulder width of the user;

the rolls are preferably represented by rolling elements of mountain climbing outfit (also known as ‘alpinist outfit’) with a hole for fastening the spring hook;

the cord is represented by a rope of the mountain climbing outfit;

the connection of the band of support loop engaged with the handle has an Y-like shape;

the angle of mutual disposition of the bands forming the support loop at the point of their connection amounts from 20 to 70 degrees,

the point of connection of bands forming the support loop is covered with a lap;

the second load-carrying loop is connected through the hole in the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The claimed invention is illustrated in drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a view of an exercise machine for functional training, fitted with a collar (hook), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a view of an exercise machine for functional training, fitted to spaced racks, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view of an exercise machine transformed into a one-roll (one-pulley) apparatus for feet training, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a view of a fragment of an exercise machine illustrating a location of the load-carrying loop against a user's wrist at his/her grip of the handle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a view of a spacing bar being part of an exercise machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a view of an exercise machine transformed into a ‘rings’-type apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a view of a support loop being part of an exercise machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the support loop supports a user's foot with upward-pointing toes.

FIG. 8 shows a view of a support loop being part of an exercise machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the support loop supports a user's foot with downward-pointing toes.

The following reference numerals are utilized in the present description referring to the above enumerated drawings:

1—load-carrying support loop; 2—handle; 3—cord; 4—roll (pulley); 5—strap; 6—spring hook; 7—Tibloc; 8—spacing bar; 9—second load-carrying loop; 10—third limiting loop; 11—loop-shaped elements of the straps; 12—pouches for attaching the spacing bar; 13—cross stitches of the straps, forming loop-shaped elements for fastening to the spring hook; 14—sockets of the spacing bar; 15—cylindrical elements (protrusions) of the spacing bar; 16—lap covering the point of Y-shaped connection of the bands of support loop; 17—user's hand; 18—user's foot; 19—horizontal bar; 20—angle of fitting the bands of support loop.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are described in detail herein below, specific embodiments of the present invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

The exercise machine for functional exercising comprises two support loops with handles, a cord and a first roll, a second roll, two straps, at least two spring hooks, a Tibloc, and a spacing bar. Each support loop is provided on the handle-side with a second load-carrying loop and a third limiting loop, while the other end of the support loop is made in the form of loop for connection to the spring hook; the Tibloc is attached to a spring hook; the Tiblock is arranged on the cord having both ends in the form of loops for connection to the spring hook, while the straps are also provided with loop-shaped members for connection to a spring hook and with pouches for attaching the spacing bar, the length of which is for 10-15 cm more than the user's shoulders width. The straps are made in the form of a twin band with cross stitches to fasten the spring hook.

The handles are made in the form of rigid or low-elastic cylinders with relief coating for comfort grip.

The surface of the handles is rubbered (i.e. covered by rubber), or alternatively the surface of the handles is made of leather.

The planes of the second load-carrying loop and third limiting loop are mutually perpendicular to one another.

The spacing bar is collapsible and consists of a set of bushings with cylindrical protrusions, wherein each protrusion has a diameter less than a diameter of the respective bushing.

The rolls are represented by pulleys of the alpinist outfit with a hole for securing the roll on the spring hook. The quick opening of such rolls makes possible a fast mounting, assembling and transforming of the exercise machine.

The cord is represented by a dynamic rope of the alpinist outfit.

The support loop is made of one band threaded through the handle, the ends of which at the point of connection (looping) are secured in a Y-shaped configuration, at an angle of from 20 to 70 degrees, and the connection point of the support loop bands is covered with a lap.

The second load-carrying loop is connected (looped) through the hole in the handle. The second load-carrying and third limiting loops are made in the form of band.

The exercise machine for functional exercising is used as follows.

The claimed exercise machine is employed or functional exercising and can ensure heavy loads for the user, because the moving structure of the exercise machine makes the user's muscles getting involved in work to stabilize his/her body in space.

The assembling of elements of the exercise machine is made with the spring hooks, which connect the support loops with the cord interacting with the rolls as well as with the spring hooks. The straps may be attached to almost any support: a ring, hook, horizontal bar, ledge, or, for example, may be secured in a gap between a door panel and a door frame. Such universality of the fixing is ensured by that fact that the straps are flexible bands furnished with locks in the form of spring hooks at both the ends of the straps, whereas the spring hook may be fasten to a loop element of the strap at any point thereof, so the strap may be attached or winded around a horizontal bar, a tree branch, a ledge, etc. This design feature of the strap ensures a possibility of adjustment of the suspension height of the exercise machine by choosing the corresponding place on the strap with cross stitches for fastening to the spring hook.

The spacing bar with corresponding pouches on the straps provides for the location of the support loops hanging down approximately at the distance of width of shoulders of the user (a little more than the shoulders width), which is optimal in terms of biomechanics of human's movement for carrying out dynamic exercises focusing on the development of the upper body when the user leans on the handles. In this case, rubbing the user's skin by the support loop is eliminated, which increases the comfort and efficiency of the exercises. The spacing bar itself is collapsible and consists of separate elements in the form of bushings with cylindrical protrusions, making possible to adjust the length of spacing bar corresponding the parameters of user (10-15 cm wider than the user's shoulders width).

The spacing bar is used in those cases, when the straps are attached to the support at one point and the load on the support loops causes approaching the opposite ends of the straps with the rolls hanging on them. If the straps are attached in spaced points (FIG. 2), for example, on vertical supports of wall bars, the spacing bar may not be installed.

The ends of the straps are connected with the rolls by the spring hooks, through which rolls the cord is threaded. The Tibloc is attached to the cord ensuring the easy adjustment of the exercise machine's length by moving the Tibloc along the cord. The length of cord is about 3 meters.

One of the support loop is fastened to one of the ends of the cord with the spring hook, the other support loop is fastened to the Tibloc so that the distance between the handles and the rolls facilitates a convenient and effective exercising. To eliminate the cord dangling, its end may be fastened to the corresponding spring hook (FIG. 1). The length of the support loops is about 800 mm, so that the Tibloc does not contact with the user's body.

In addition to the handle, the support loop comprises the second load-carrying loop to put the foot in it during exercising the feet muscles.

The third limiting loop jointly with the handle ensure securing the foot in the second load-carrying loop, which makes possible an effective exercising of the legs in a wide range of lifting angle without foot slipping. The effect of the presence of the second load-bearing loop and securing of the foot is comfort sensations during exercising and improvement of hygienic conditions of using the exercise machine, because the foot is not put on the handle, which also facilitates the progress of the exercising and increases the safety of the exercise machine.

The peculiarity of the support loop is also overlay and connection of the bands (the ends of bands) threaded through the open end hole in the handle, which are fastened in an Y-shaped manner (FIG. 7), i.e. at an angle with each other, while this angle depends on the hardness of the bands' material could be in a range 20 to 70 degrees, that in case of loading on the loop, ensures turning the plane of bands' connection, which plane is oriented parallel to the axis of the handle. Such parallel arrangement of the plane of bands' connection excludes a negative effect of the frontal part of the band acting upon the wrist, and it increases the effectiveness of exercising. The point of connection does not protrude to the direction of the user's arm, and, in case of contacting with the arm, it overlays at the wrist with the flat side thereof (FIG. 4), excluding a skin injury. The presence of the lap in the place of bands' overlap, made of soft material or leather, cushions the contact, and allows the user to pay more attention to the process of exercising without distraction caused by side annoyances.

One of aforementioned transformations of the claimed exercise machine is elimination of one roll, if necessary. In this form, the exercise machine (FIG. 3) may be effectively used for feet exercising or exercising of the feet and arms simultaneously.

Next transformation of the claimed exercise machine (FIG. 6) is its implementation in the form of support loops fastened to the horizontal bar. In this case, the exercise machine takes a form of “ring” apparatus and may be effectively used for power exercising, being a characteristic of gymnastic rings.

The claimed exercise machine may be installed also on the door panel with fastening the straps to the gap between the door panel and door frame.

The exercise machine for functional exercising may be manufactured based on commercially available and certified items of alpinist equipment: straps, spring hooks, synthetic ropes, Tiblocs, etc.

Thus, the claimed exercise machine ensures increasing exercise convenience, inter alia due to elimination of rubbing the cord and the body during arm exercising, elimination of a negative effect of the support loop on the wrist during exercising, improvement of exercise efficiency during feet exercising, expansion of device applicability due to universalization of the fastening, ensuring the possibility of transformation of the exercise machine to expand the range of exercises, and increasing of safety of use due to an improvement of hygienic conditions of exercising. 

1. A functional exercise machine for user exercising, said functional exercise machine comprises: two support loops with handles; at least two spring hooks; a cord having both ends in the form of loops for connection to at least one of said spring hooks: two rolls; two straps; a Tibloc attached to one of said spring hooks and is arranged on said cord; and a spacing bar having a predetermined length; wherein each said support loop is made of at least one band, each said support loop has a handle end furnished with the corresponding handle and a free end, each said support loop is provided on said handle end with a second load-carrying loop and a third limiting loop; said free end is made in the form of a loop connectable to one of said spring hooks; and said straps are provided with loop-shaped elements for connection to one of said spring hooks and with pouches for attaching said spacing bar.
 2. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said straps are connected with said rolls by means of said spring hooks; and said support loops are connected with said cord substantially by means of said spring hooks.
 3. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said straps each is made in the form of a twin band with cross stitches forming loop-shaped elements; and said spring hooks are capable of being fastened to the loop-shaped elements.
 4. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said handles are made in the form of cylinders of low-elastic material with a relief coating for comfort grip.
 5. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said handles have a surface coated with rubber.
 6. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said handles have a surface covered with leather.
 7. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: the planes of said second load-carrying loop and said third limiting loop are mutually perpendicular to one another.
 8. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said spacing bar is collapsible and consists of a set of bushings with cylindrical protrusions; wherein each said protrusion has a protrusion diameter, each said bushing has a bushing diameter; and the bushing diameter is greater than the corresponding protrusion diameter.
 9. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said predetermined length is 10-15 cm longer than the shoulder width of said user.
 10. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said rolls are represented by rolling elements of a conventional alpinist outfit, and the rolling elements have a hole for fastening with the spring hook.
 11. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said cord is represented by a rope of a conventional alpinist outfit.
 12. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: the connection of the band of said support loop, engaged with said handle, has an Y-like shape.
 13. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said support loops each is made of two bands mutually disposed at an angle to each other in a point of connection thereof, and the angle amounts from 20 to 70 degrees.
 14. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said support loops each is made of two bands connected to each other in at least one point, and said at least one point is covered by a lap.
 15. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: the handle of said second load-carrying loop has a hole, and said second load-carrying loop is connected through said hole.
 16. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said support loops each is made of one band including two portions mutually disposed at an angle to each other at a point of connection thereof, and the angle amounts from 20 to 70 degrees.
 17. The functional exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein: said support loops each is made of one band including two portions connected to each other in at least one point, and said at least one point is covered by a lap. 